Teresa Fern Durbin, age 90, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Arlington Place in Red Oak. Teresa was born May 7, 1935, in Beardstown, Illinois, the daughter of Ruth (Spry) Ackerman. She was raised in Illinois and was united in marriage to Benjamin Bristow in 1952 in Illinois. Two sons were born to this union: David and Doug. They lived in many places throughout the United States and even Spain before Teresa came back to the United States. She was united in marriage to James Durbin on December 19, 1962, in El Paso, Texas. One son was born to this union: James Franklin Durbin III. James and Teresa lived and farmed for many years near Emerson, Iowa. Teresa worked at the Grocery Store in Emerson and the Learning Resource Center in Red Oak and eventually helped Jim on the family farm. Teresa was a history buff who compiled a Mills County history book. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, fishing, trips to their cabin in Canada, and wintering in Florida and Texas.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband James Durbin II; and grandson: Kyle Durbin. Survivors include her children: David Bristow and wife Susan of Helena, MT; Doug Bristow and wife Christine of Maryville, MO; and J. Frank Durbin III of Emerson, IA; grandchildren: Miles Durbin and wife Chrystal of Red Oak, IA; McKenna Durbin of Los Alamos, NM; Cameron Durbin of Red Oak, IA; and Joseph Bristow, MO; and many other relatives and friends.

A graveside celebration of life service will be held at 11 AM Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Emerson Cemetery in Emerson, Iowa.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.